What is a Backyard Ultra? Origin, concept, rules, and more!

In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, Jaci Wilson delves into the concept of Backyard Ultras, a unique running format that combines endurance with community spirit. She explains the origins of the Backyard Ultra, its specific rules, and the competitive nature of the races. The episode also touches on the importance of pacing, nutrition, and the community aspect of these events, setting the stage for future discussions on various related topics. Takeaways The Backyard Ultra format was created by Gary Cantrell in 2011. A Backyard Ultra consists of a 4.167-mile loop completed every hour. Participants have 60 minutes to finish each loop, or they are out. The race continues until only one person remains who has completed one more loop than anyone else. The current world record for a Backyard Ultra is 119 yards, set in June 2025. Backyard Ultras foster a strong sense of community among runners. Runners often participate in Backyard Ultras to push their limits and achieve personal goals. Aid is not allowed until after completing the loop, emphasizing self-sufficiency. The ultimate goal for many is to qualify for the Big's Backyard Ultra . Future episodes will cover pacing, nutrition, and insights from various experts. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them) ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website